On I-80 on the Donner Pass near Truckee in Nevada County, CA, overweight and oversized commercial vehicle drivers face steep penalties if caught without the required permits at the weigh station.
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 35784, Permits and Agreements, driving a commercial vehicle that exceeds weight limits by 4,501 pounds without a permit can result in a misdemeanor charge. Convictions may lead to fines of up to $500, jail time of up to six months, or both.
Additionally, CA VC Section 35550 (a), Axle Limits, restricts the weight on any single axle to 20,000 pounds, with no more than 10,500 pounds on a single wheel. Exceeding these limits can lead to serious consequences.
Therefore, it is essential to check the load frequently to prevent shifting. If you get a ticket, contact a CA traffic attorney.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Traffic Tickets
Ignoring a ticket for an overweight or oversized commercial vehicle can have long-term consequences. Simply paying the fine for it might lead to sanctions in California and at the DOT FMCSA.
Under CA VC Section 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear, failing to appear in court on the required date without an extension is a misdemeanor.
Paying the fine without legal advice could lead to points on your CA driving record and a scar on your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record if it’s determined to be a safety issue.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that they haven’t signed a promise to appear if they didn’t sign a specific form.
However, signing the ticket itself is considered a written promise to appear.
Failing to do so allows the DMV to suspend your license, per CA VC Section 40509.5, Release Upon Promise to Appear. The DMV could suspend or revoke the driver's license until the citation is resolved, and it could lead to another charge for failure to appear (FTA), which could result in a bench warrant.
Always consult a CA traffic attorney before you plead guilty and pay the fine.
The High Cost of Overweight or Oversized Commercial Vehicles
Fines for overweight and oversized commercial vehicles depend on factors such as the number of axles, the distance between them, and the vehicle's gross weight.
Overweight violations can lead to fines of up to $1.00 per pound over the limit, which can add up quickly.
For example, if a truck is several thousand pounds overweight, the fine could be devastating, especially for owner-operators.
Beyond the financial impact, a ticket could result in points on your CA driving record, your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record, and a criminal record for a misdemeanor, which could threaten your driving career.
Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Assistance in Nevada County
If you’ve received a ticket for operating overweight or oversized commercial vehicles, it's crucial to consult with an experienced traffic attorney.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we have over a decade of experience defending commercial drivers across California, including those in Nevada County. We understand how to navigate the court system and minimize the impact on your driving record.
Our firm has helped many drivers avoid license suspensions and keep their livelihoods intact. We frequently represent drivers cited on highways like I-80, and I-5, 10, 15, and 395.
Flexible Appointments for CDL Ticket Defense
We understand the importance of a quick response when dealing with citations for overweight and oversized commercial vehicles.
Our team offers weekend and evening consultations to discuss your case. With experience in Nevada, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and other counties across California, we’re ready to defend your CDL.
Don’t make any statements to law enforcement if you’re cited for an overweight vehicle violation. Instead, sign the ticket and contact an attorney right away to review your options.
Our legal team is here to help you protect your driving record and your career.
For Traffic Tickets in Truckee in Nevada County, CA, Call Bigger & Harman, APC
If you have a citation for an overweight or oversized commercial vehicle that you need to resolve in Truckee Traffic Courtin Nevada County, CA, contact us immediately to take advantage of our free initial consultation offer.
"Kept points off my driving record. Thanks Guys!
I hired Bigger and Harman to fight a moving violation and they helped keep points off of my record. Thanks Guys!”— Aaron.
We are Bigger & Harman, APC; call us at (661) 349-9300 —Se habla Español 349-9755 for a no-cost initial consultation.
Use our contact form online from wherever you are.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
CA VC Section 35550 (a), Axle Limits, 35784, Permits and Agreements, 40508 and 40509.5, Release Upon Promise to Appear.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.